Current Events — HabitableZone

Current Events » in reply to re: What is freedom? Good question......

Good illustration of my observation.........
Publius — (archived)

Your rush to take offense at an off-hand remark is illustrative of the polarization that has infected these boards and impedes the discussion of some important questions.

The question posed was both interesting and important. And, as Tom's posting of dozens of links shows there are varied viewpoints. To understand that culture plays a point in the definition of words and the interpretation of concepts is necessary in a global economy as well as the development of a cogent world view. Mighty GM found this out when it named its car the Nova, and found it wouldn't sell in the Latin americas. In spanish, no-va means "it won't go." Not what you want your car to exrpess.

When I complimented the introduction of a good question for exploration I had hopes the question could be addressed without any "asshats" or other "faith-based" agendas being served. Only an insider can do this, someone who cares deeply about values and goals and is aware that barriers based on heritage, culture, and philosophy separate peoples on this planet.

Here in south Florida, Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino's is planning to build a $ 100 million city. This city will not allow the sale of any pornography, cable tv will be censored, no condoms or contraceptives will be sold, and private chapels will be within walking distance of each home. Monaghan's idea of freedom is to build a city devoted to God as defined by the Catholic church. And anyone not in agreement with this concept can't live here. To Monaghan freedom is the right to be free of any influences of what he defines as sin. Now the question here is, does Managhan have any moral right to inflict his freedom one others.

If Monaghan has this right, then you must grant the Islamic state the right to be free of Christians and Christianity. You must grant the Israeliis the right (they have never asked for this) to exclude everyone else. Same for Hindus, Bhuddist, etc.

In my definition my freedom to swing my arms stops where your nose begins.

Publius

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